Mental Health Resources
There are many people who may desire to learn more and if they do, they get to learn more about themselves. But, there is a stigma on mental health. To have a starting point and learn about different types of resources is the goal of this post. Because I wouldn’t be here today if I didn’t decide to learn more about my mental health. Just as importantly, I wouldn’t have the support system I have today due to some of these resources.
Below is a list of 7 resources I have used throughout my mental health journey with a little back story on why each one is important to me.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
This is the FIRST resource I tell people about. A wonderful non-profit organization with SO MANY topics to read about and have a plethora of resources and programs. The one I talk about most is the family program. While I didn’t go to it, my parents did. Sometimes its hard for me to explain what’s going on in my ADHD brain, and for them to learn about it and so much more was awesome! It really made our relationship and support even better than what was.
TWLOHA (To Write Love on Her Arms)
Their “about” page says it perfectly. Another non-profit organization I absolutely love. Their message is amazing and the content they share on their blog is wonderful.
Therapy & Doctors
This is another topic I will have a dedicated blog for. For now, I will say, when you find the right doctors and therapist it’s the best thing in the world. With therapy, you have a third party who will tell it like it is (not what you want to hear) and support your growth. With doctors, I understand how scary it can be to trust the person prescribing you medication. I am here to tell you, there are people out there whose intention is to help you and find what works best for you.
Close Family and/or Friends
This is a different kind of resource. It’s a support and grounding resource. You aren’t meant to go through life alone. Your family and friends are a place where you can feel safe to be yourself. A place you can practice boundary setting and have others to grow with. As you learn about yourself you will find the right circle of friends.
Resources from School
Ask a guidance counselor or check on the school’s website for possible resources available to you. College was difficult, as I had recentl been diagnosed with ADHD. Test taking was constantly the most stressful part, not because I didn’t study, but because I was so focused on a million other things going on. With my therapists help, I was able to take my tests in a quiet room and get extra time.
Follow Social Media Pages
I love finding pages that talk about mental health and for me, ADHD. Learning from people who are also on a similar journey is very helpful to remind myself I am not alone. My favorite thing to do is to go on the comments as well, it’s like a HUGE community of like-minded people I can connect with as well. Give it a try, start following people who you vibe with and the community is right there in the comments. (Example for me: CobyWatts speaks on ADHD and his community he has created is great!)
Me :) - I am my best resource for myself, as you are for YOU. You know yourself inside and out. Tune into yourself and trust your instinct. Listen to what your mind and body needs. And also, if you need a resource I am also here for you.
As I continue on this journey I am constantly finding new resources, as well as new books. Some of them will be SO GOOD I have to dedicate another blog for them. Keep an eye out for more and more stories on this mental health journey.
If I could tell you one thing, I want you to know you are NOT broken, you do NOT need “fixed.” The way we have to learn what we can and can’t eat, is the same way we start learning about our mental health. What works for me, may not work for you and vice versa. I hope you choose yourself each and every day. Learn more about yourself to be able to not only grow, but to experience life to the fullest! Remember, you are not alone. Step by step, keep moving forwards.
Please feel free to message me or set up an appointment to talk about any of these resources. I would also love to hear of any other resources you enjoy using or have heard about.
Also, if you found this helpful and looking for more tips, tools, or motivation sign up for my newletter.
I’m here for you!
Always in all ways,
